How Do I Reference An Online Article APA Style?

Referencing online articles using the American Psychological Association (APA) style is essential for academics, researchers, and content creators. This comprehensive guide on gmonline.net provides detailed instructions and examples on how to correctly cite various online sources, ensuring accuracy, credibility, and adherence to APA 7th edition guidelines, especially for those involved in online gaming and esports journalism. Let’s explore the world of accurate citation in the digital age, enhancing the reliability of your work and connecting you with a community that values precision.

1. What is APA Style and Why is it Important for Online Articles?

APA (American Psychological Association) style is a widely used citation format, particularly in social sciences, education, and nursing. Using APA style ensures you give proper credit to the original authors, avoid plagiarism, and enhance the credibility of your work. Accurate citations allow readers to locate the sources you used, fostering transparency and trust, which are critical in online gaming and esports content.

1.1 What Does APA Style Cover?

APA Style covers a wide range of guidelines for academic writing, including:

• Formatting: Specifies how your paper should look, including font, margins, and spacing.
• Citations: Details how to cite sources within the text of your paper.
• Reference Lists: Explains how to compile a list of all the sources you cited.
• Writing Style: Provides guidance on language, tone, and reducing bias.

1.2 Why is APA Style Important?

Adhering to APA style is crucial for several reasons:

• Credibility: Using a standardized citation style enhances the credibility of your work.
• Avoiding Plagiarism: Proper citation ensures you give credit to the original authors and avoid plagiarism.
• Clarity: Consistent formatting helps readers easily understand and navigate your paper.
• Professionalism: Following APA guidelines shows you take your work seriously and adhere to academic standards.

1.3 Why is APA Style Important for Online Gaming and Esports Journalism?

In online gaming and esports journalism, APA style is particularly vital for maintaining journalistic integrity and academic rigor. Whether you are writing news articles, reviews, or research papers, adhering to APA guidelines helps:

• Establish Credibility: Shows that your content is well-researched and based on reliable sources.
• Avoid Legal Issues: Prevents plagiarism and copyright infringement, safeguarding your work and reputation.
• Provide Transparency: Allows readers to verify your sources and understand the basis of your arguments.
• Support Professionalism: Demonstrates a commitment to high standards of journalism and academic writing.

2. Core Elements of APA Citations for Online Articles

An APA citation typically includes four main components: author, date, title, and source. Each element provides critical information for readers to locate the original source.

2.1 Author

The author can be an individual, a group, or an organization. Always use the full name if available, following the format: Last name, First initial. Middle initial.

• Individual Author: Lastname, F. M.
• Group or Organization: American Psychological Association

2.2 Date

The date indicates when the content was published or last updated. Provide the year, month, and day if available. If no date is listed, use “n.d.” for no date.

• Year, Month Date: (2023, November 15)
• No Date: (n.d.)

2.3 Title

The title should accurately reflect the content of the article or webpage. Capitalize the first word of the title, subtitle, and any proper nouns.

• Title of Page or Article: Justice served: Case closed for over 40 dogfighting victims.

2.4 Source

The source provides information on where to find the content, such as the website name and URL.

• Site Name: gmonline.net
• URL: gmonline.net

3. How to Cite a Webpage or Online Content in APA Style

Citing a webpage or online content correctly is essential for giving credit to the original source. The format varies slightly depending on whether the author is an individual, a group, or not listed.

3.1 Citing a Webpage with an Individual Author

When the webpage lists an individual author, use the following format:

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of page. Site Name. URL

Example:

Price, D. (2018, March 23). Laziness does not exist. Medium. https://humanparts.medium.com/laziness-does-not-exist-3af27e312d01

3.2 Citing a Webpage with a Group or Organization Author

If a group or organization wrote the content, use the name of the group/organization as the author. If the author and site name are the same, omit the site name from the citation.

Group name. (Year, Month Date). Title of page. Site Name. URL

Example:

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2019, November 21). Justice served: Case closed for over 40 dogfighting victims. https://www.aspca.org/news/justice-served-case-closed-over-40-dogfighting-victims

3.3 Citing a Webpage with No Author Listed

If the webpage doesn’t list an author, start with the title. Include a retrieval date if the page’s content is likely to change over time.

Title of page. (Year, Month Date). Site Name. Retrieved Month Date, Year, from URL

Example:

Tuscan white bean pasta. (2018, February 25). Budgetbytes. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.budgetbytes.com/tuscan-white-bean-pasta/

3.4 Citing a Webpage with No Publication Date

If the publication date is not listed, use the abbreviation (n.d.).

Author or Group name. (n.d.). Title of page. Site Name (if applicable). URL

Example:

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental health conditions. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions

4. Referencing Specific Types of Online Articles

Different types of online articles, such as Wikipedia entries, online news articles, and blog posts, require specific formatting. Understanding these nuances ensures accurate citations.

4.1 How to Cite a Wikipedia Article in APA Style

APA 7th edition treats Wikipedia articles as special instances of entries in reference works. Here’s the format:

Title of article. (Year, Month Date). In Wikipedia. URL of archived version of page

Example:

Quantum mechanics. (2019, November 19). In Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Quantum_mechanics&oldid=948476810

Key Considerations:

• Archived Version: Link to the archived version of the page to ensure the content remains consistent. Access the archived version by clicking “View History.”

4.2 How to Cite an Online Scholarly Journal Article in APA Style

For online scholarly journal articles, include a Digital Object Identifier (DOI) if available.

4.2.1 Article from an Online Periodical with DOI Assigned

Lastname, F. M., & Lastname, F. M. (Year). Title of article. Title of Periodical, Vol.(Issue), page numbers. DOI

Example:

Drollinger, T., Comer, L. B., & Warrington, P. T. (2006). Development and validation of the active empathetic listening scale. Psychology & Marketing, 23(2), 161-180. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20105

4.2.2 Article from an Online Periodical with no DOI Assigned

If there is no DOI and the article is published on a website, include the URL. If it is published on a database, do not include a URL or database information unless the database has limited circulation.

Perreault, L. (2019). Obesity in adults: Role of physical activity and exercise. UpToDate. Retrieved January 12, 2020, from https://www.uptodate.com/contents/obesity-in-adults-role-of-physical-activity-and-exercise

4.3 How to Cite an Online News Article in APA Style

The format depends on whether the source comes from a site with an associated newspaper.

4.3.1 News Article from a Site with an Associated Newspaper

Leave the title of the article unformatted, but italicize the title of the newspaper.

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of article. Title of Publication. URL

Example:

Richards, C. (2019, December 9). Best music of 2019: Lana Del Rey sings lullabies about the end of America. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/best-music-of-2019-lana-del-rey-sings-lullabies-about-the-end-of-america/2019/12/06/6e82c5ec-15d8-11ea-a659-7d69641c6ff7_story.html

4.3.2 News Article from a Site without an Associated Newspaper

Italicize the title of the article, but leave the name of the site unformatted.

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of article. Name of publishing website. URL

Example:

Jones, J. (2020, May 10). Why flats dominate Spain’s housing market. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200506-why-do-flats-dominate-spains-housing-market

4.4 How to Cite a Blog Post in APA Style

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of post. Publisher. URL

Example:

Axelrod, A. (2019, August 11). A century later: The Treaty of Versailles and its rejection of racial equality. Code Switch, NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2019/08/11/742293305/a-century-later-the-treaty-of-versailles-and-its-rejection-of-racial-equality

5. Citing Social Media Content in APA Style

Social media posts, such as tweets and Facebook posts, can be valuable sources of information. APA style provides guidelines for citing them accurately.

5.1 How to Cite a Tweet in APA Style

Lastname, F. M. or Name of Group [@username]. (Year, Month Date). Content of the post up to the first 20 words [Tweet]. Site Name. URL

Example:

National Geographic [@NatGeo]. (2020, January 12). Scientists knew African grays are clever, but now they’ve been documented assisting other members of their species—even strangers [Tweet; thumbnail link to article]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/NatGeo/status/1216346352063537154

5.2 How to Cite a Facebook Post in APA Style

Lastname, F. M. or Name of Group. (Year, Month Date). Content of the post up to the first 20 words [Type of post]. Site Name. URL

Example:

U.S. Department of the Interior. (2020, January 10). Like frosting on a cake, snow coats and clings to the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah [Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/USInterior/photos/a.155163054537384/2586475451406120/?type=3&theater

5.3 How to Cite an Instagram Photo or Video in APA Style

Lastname, F. M. or Name of Group [@username]. (Year, Month Date). Content of the post up to the first 20 words [Type of post]. Site Name. URL

Example:

BBC [@bbc]. (2020, January 12). Skywatchers have been treated to the first full moon of 2020-known as a “wolf moon”-at the same time as a [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OkWqbBwcf/

6. How to Cite Multimedia Content in APA Style

Online articles often include multimedia elements such as videos and podcasts. Citing these elements correctly is essential for comprehensive referencing.

6.1 How to Cite a YouTube Video in APA Style

Last Name, F. M. [Username]. (Year, Month Date). Title of video [Video]. Streaming Service. URL

Example:

Lushi, K. [Korab Lushi]. (2016, July 3). Albatross culture 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AMrJRQDPjk&t=148s

6.2 How to Cite a Podcast Episode in APA Style

Host, A. A. (Host). (Year, Month Date). Title of episode (No. if provided) [Audio podcast episode]. In Name of podcast. Publisher. URL

Example:

Prime, K. (Host). (2019, March 29). For whom the cowbell tolls [Audio podcast episode]. In Radiolab. WNYC Studios. https://www.wnycstudios.org/story/whom-cowbell-tolls

6.3 How to Cite a TED Talk in APA Style

Author, A. A. (Year, Month Date). Title of talk [Video]. TED. URL

Example:

Al-Mutawa, N. (2010, July). Superheroes inspired by Islam [Video]. TED. https://www.ted.com/talks/naif_al_mutawa_superheroes_inspired_by_islam#t-4909

7. How to Cite Other Online Sources in APA Style

Besides the common sources, there are various other online materials like online forums, lecture notes, and software that you might need to cite.

7.1 How to Cite an Online Forum or Discussion Posting in APA Style

Lastname, F. M. or Name of Group [username]. (Year, Month Date). Title of post [Online forum post]. Publisher. URL

Example:

Stine, R. L. [RL__Stine]. (2013, October 23). I’m R.L. Stine and it’s my job to terrify kids. Ask me anything! [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1p32dl/

7.2 How to Cite Online Lecture Notes and Presentation Slides in APA Style

When citing online lecture notes, provide the file format in brackets after the lecture title (e.g. PowerPoint slides, Word document).

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of presentation [Lecture notes, PowerPoint slides, etc]. Publisher. URL

Example:

Smith, C. (2017, October 13). AI and machine learning demystified [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/carologic/ai-and-machine-learning-demystified-by-carol-smith-at-midwest-ux-2017

7.3 How to Cite Computer Software/Downloaded Software in APA Style

Provide references only for specialized software, not standard office software or programming languages.

Lastname, F. M. or Name of Group. (Year). Title of software (Version No.). Publisher. URL

Example:

Maplesoft. (2019). Maple companion (Version 2.1.0). Cybernet Systems Co. https://www.maplesoft.com/products/MapleCompanion/

8. In-Text Citations in APA Style

In-text citations are brief references within the body of your paper that point to the full citation in your reference list. They typically include the author’s last name and the year of publication.

8.1 Basic In-Text Citation Format

• Single Author: (Lastname, Year)
• Two Authors: (Lastname & Lastname, Year)
• Three or More Authors: (Lastname et al., Year)
• Group or Organization: (Organization Name, Year)

8.2 Examples of In-Text Citations

• According to Price (2018), laziness does not exist.
• Research by Drollinger, Comer, and Warrington (2006) shows the importance of empathetic listening.
• The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (2019) reported on a case involving dogfighting victims.
• As noted on Budgetbytes (2018), Tuscan white bean pasta is a budget-friendly meal.

8.3 Including Page Numbers or Paragraph Numbers

When citing a specific part of a source, include the page number or paragraph number.

• (Lastname, Year, p. XX)
• (Lastname, Year, para. XX)

Example:

(Richards, 2019, para. 5)

9. Creating a Reference List in APA Style

The reference list is a comprehensive list of all the sources you cited in your paper. It should be placed at the end of your paper and follow specific formatting guidelines.

9.1 General Formatting Guidelines

• Placement: Start the reference list on a new page after the body of your paper.
• Title: Label the page “References” (centered and bold).
• Spacing: Double-space the entire reference list.
• Hanging Indent: Use a hanging indent for each entry (the first line is flush left, and subsequent lines are indented).
• Alphabetical Order: Arrange entries alphabetically by the author’s last name.

9.2 Example Reference List

Here is an example of a reference list containing various types of online sources:

References

American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals. (2019, November 21). Justice served: Case closed for over 40 dogfighting victims. https://www.aspca.org/news/justice-served-case-closed-over-40-dogfighting-victims

Axelrod, A. (2019, August 11). A century later: The Treaty of Versailles and its rejection of racial equality. Code Switch, NPR. https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2019/08/11/742293305/a-century-later-the-treaty-of-versailles-and-its-rejection-of-racial-equality

BBC [@bbc]. (2020, January 12). Skywatchers have been treated to the first full moon of 2020-known as a “wolf moon”-at the same time as a [Photograph]. Instagram. https://www.instagram.com/p/B7OkWqbBwcf/

Drollinger, T., Comer, L. B., & Warrington, P. T. (2006). Development and validation of the active empathetic listening scale. Psychology & Marketing, 23(2), 161-180. https://doi.org/10.1002/mar.20105

Jones, J. (2020, May 10). Why flats dominate Spain’s housing market. BBC. https://www.bbc.com/worklife/article/20200506-why-do-flats-dominate-spains-housing-market

Lushi, K. [Korab Lushi]. (2016, July 3). Albatross culture 1 [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_AMrJRQDPjk&t=148s

National Geographic [@NatGeo]. (2020, January 12). Scientists knew African grays are clever, but now they’ve been documented assisting other members of their species—even strangers [Tweet; thumbnail link to article]. Twitter. https://twitter.com/NatGeo/status/1216346352063537154

National Alliance on Mental Illness. (n.d.). Mental health conditions. https://www.nami.org/Learn-More/Mental-Health-Conditions

Prime, K. (Host). (2019, March 29). For whom the cowbell tolls [Audio podcast episode]. In Radiolab. WNYC Studios. https://www.wnycstudios.org/story/whom-cowbell-tolls

Price, D. (2018, March 23). Laziness does not exist. Medium. https://humanparts.medium.com/laziness-does-not-exist-3af27e312d01

Richards, C. (2019, December 9). Best music of 2019: Lana Del Rey sings lullabies about the end of America. Washington Post. https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/music/best-music-of-2019-lana-del-rey-sings-lullabies-about-the-end-of-america/2019/12/06/6e82c5ec-15d8-11ea-a659-7d69641c6ff7_story.html

Smith, C. (2017, October 13). AI and machine learning demystified [PowerPoint slides]. SlideShare. https://www.slideshare.net/carologic/ai-and-machine-learning-demystified-by-carol-smith-at-midwest-ux-2017

Stine, R. L. [RL__Stine]. (2013, October 23). I’m R.L. Stine and it’s my job to terrify kids. Ask me anything! [Online forum post]. Reddit. https://www.reddit.com/r/IAmA/comments/1p32dl/

Tuscan white bean pasta. (2018, February 25). Budgetbytes. Retrieved March 18, 2020, from https://www.budgetbytes.com/tuscan-white-bean-pasta/

U.S. Department of the Interior. (2020, January 10). Like frosting on a cake, snow coats and clings to the hoodoos at Bryce Canyon National Park in Utah [Image attached] [Status update]. Facebook. https://www.facebook.com/USInterior/photos/a.155163054537384/2586475451406120/?type=3&theater

10. Advanced APA Citation Guidelines

For more complex scenarios, APA style provides additional guidelines to ensure accuracy and consistency.

10.1 Citing Sources with the Same Author and Date

If you have multiple sources by the same author published in the same year, add a letter (a, b, c, etc.) after the year.

Example:

• Smith, J. (2020a).
• Smith, J. (2020b).

10.2 Citing Secondary Sources

When citing a source that you found within another source, use the phrase “as cited in” in your in-text citation.

Example:

(Smith, 2010, as cited in Jones, 2015)

In your reference list, only include the source you actually read (Jones, 2015).

10.3 Citing Personal Communications

Personal communications, such as emails or interviews, are not included in the reference list but should be cited in the text.

Example:

(E. Robbins, personal communication, January 4, 2001).

11. Common Mistakes to Avoid in APA Citations

Even with guidelines, mistakes can occur. Being aware of these common errors can help you refine your citation accuracy.

11.1 Incorrect Formatting

Failing to use the correct format for different types of sources. Always double-check the APA guidelines for the specific type of source you are citing.

11.2 Missing Information

Leaving out essential information like the date, author, or URL. Ensure you have all the necessary details before creating your citation.

11.3 Inconsistent Citations

Using different citation styles within the same paper. Maintain consistency throughout your paper by adhering to APA style for all citations.

11.4 Not Using Hanging Indents

Forgetting to use a hanging indent in the reference list. This is a common formatting error that can easily be corrected.

11.5 Incorrect Alphabetical Order

Failing to arrange entries in the reference list alphabetically. Double-check the order to ensure accuracy.

12. Tools and Resources for APA Citation

Various tools and resources can assist you in creating accurate APA citations.

12.1 Citation Generators

Citation generators like Citation Machine, Zotero, and Mendeley can help you create citations automatically. However, always double-check the generated citations for accuracy.

12.2 APA Style Guides

Official APA style guides, such as the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association, provide comprehensive information on APA style.

12.3 Online Resources

Websites like the Purdue OWL (Online Writing Lab) offer detailed explanations and examples of APA style.

13. The Importance of Accuracy and Consistency

Accuracy and consistency are paramount in APA citations. Errors can undermine the credibility of your work, while consistency ensures clarity and professionalism.

13.1 How Accuracy Enhances Credibility

Accurate citations demonstrate that you have thoroughly researched your topic and are giving proper credit to your sources.

13.2 How Consistency Improves Clarity

Consistent citations make it easier for readers to navigate your paper and locate the sources you used.

13.3 Tips for Maintaining Accuracy and Consistency

• Double-Check: Always double-check your citations for accuracy.
• Use a Style Guide: Refer to an APA style guide to ensure you are following the correct guidelines.
• Use Citation Tools Wisely: Use citation generators and tools, but always verify the results.
• Be Meticulous: Pay attention to detail and be meticulous in your citation practices.

14. How gmonline.net Can Help You Stay Updated on APA Style

Staying updated with the latest APA guidelines is essential. gmonline.net offers resources, articles, and community support to keep you informed.

14.1 Regular Updates and Articles

gmonline.net provides regular updates and articles on APA style, ensuring you are always using the most current guidelines.

14.2 Community Support and Forums

Join the gmonline.net community to ask questions, share tips, and get support from other users regarding APA citations.

14.3 Expert Advice and Tutorials

Access expert advice and tutorials on gmonline.net to help you master APA style and improve your citation skills.

15. APA Citation Examples for Gaming and Esports Content

To make APA citation more relevant to the gaming and esports community, here are some specific examples:

15.1 Citing a Game Review

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of game review. Site Name. URL

Example:

Johnson, A. (2023, July 15). The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom review. IGN. https://www.ign.com/articles/the-legend-of-zelda-tears-of-the-kingdom-review

15.2 Citing an Esports Tournament Article

Lastname, F. M. (Year, Month Date). Title of esports tournament article. Site Name. URL

Example:

Lee, S. (2023, August 20). T1 wins the League of Legends World Championship. ESPN Esports. https://www.espn.com/esports/story/_/id/3829485/t1-wins-league-legends-world-championship

15.3 Citing a Gaming Industry Report

Name of Group. (Year). Title of report. Publisher. URL

Example:

Entertainment Software Association. (2023). Essential Facts About the Video Game Industry. https://www.theesa.com/resource/essential-facts-about-the-video-game-industry/

16. Search Intent for “How to Reference Online Article APA”

Understanding the search intent behind the query “How To Reference Online Article Apa” is crucial for creating relevant and valuable content. Here are five key search intents:

1. Informational: Users want to understand the basic principles and guidelines of APA referencing for online articles.
2. Specific Instructions: Users seek step-by-step instructions on how to cite various types of online sources (e.g., webpages, news articles, social media posts) in APA format.
3. Examples: Users look for examples of correctly formatted APA citations for different online